Check the basis of a claim
Not every dismissal is legally unfair. Your employment status, length of service, the reason and the timing can affect your rights. Some protections have different qualifying rules.
Employment Law
Unfair Dismissal
Losing your job raises immediate questions about income, notice and whether the decision can be challenged. We can review the reason given, the procedure followed and the possible routes for responding.
Understanding your next steps
How we can help
Review the process
We look at investigation papers, meetings, warnings and the decision letter. An appeal may be available internally, but its timetable is separate from any legal claim deadline.
Consider the outcome you want
You may want to challenge the decision, negotiate an exit or recover payments. We can discuss the evidence, the risks and the next step without assuming a tribunal is the only route.
A clear way forward
What happens next
What to have ready
Bring your contract, start and end dates, dismissal letter, relevant policies, meeting notes and appeal correspondence. Include payslips and any settlement proposal.
Your next step
Contact us promptly with the dismissal date and any appeal deadline. If you are still employed and considering resignation, seek advice before acting.
Planning ahead
Fees and timescales
01 / Fees
What the costs cover
We can agree an initial review and explain the fee basis for any appeal support, negotiation or tribunal work. The likely costs and work required depend on the case and stage reached.
02 / Timescales
Timing and deadlines
Time limits can be strict and vary with the claim and relevant dates. An internal appeal does not stop the clock. Urgent applications can have especially short limits, so send the decision promptly.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Your questions, answered
Is unfair dismissal the same as wrongful dismissal?
No. Unfair dismissal concerns statutory protection against an unfair termination. Wrongful dismissal usually concerns breach of contract, such as notice. The same events can raise different questions.
Can I claim if I worked there for a short time?
Some claims have qualifying service requirements and others do not. Give us your dates and the reason you believe you were dismissed so the applicable rules can be checked.
Should I wait for my appeal outcome?
Do not assume it is safe to wait. Ask for the legal deadline to be checked while the internal appeal proceeds.
What is constructive dismissal?
It concerns a resignation said to result from a serious breach by the employer. It is a difficult area, and resignation alone does not establish a claim. Get advice before leaving.
Do I need to contact Acas before a tribunal claim?
For most employment tribunal claims, you must notify Acas first. Acas offers early conciliation to see whether the dispute can be settled. Time limits depend on the claim and relevant dates, and an internal appeal or grievance does not stop the clock. Contact us promptly so the deadline and any exception can be checked.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham